The Team

Meet the people behind our program

Co-Founders

Geneen GeorgievTechnique Trainer

Dance Technique | Fitness Coaching | Business Development

Current owner of Luminesque Dance, GSG Productions, CoreDance Productions, Nude Apparel ; and former owner of Drive Dance Centre – Vancouver… Geneen is clearly no stranger to running dance organizations. Her expertly designed programs always challenge students to develop technique, fitness and confidence – no matter their level. Her passion for community outreach and business development bring people together across ages, areas of expertise and levels of dance technique to execute sold-out shows and goal-smashing fundraisers. Geneen’s powerhouse personality is complemented with the grace of co-founder, Vanessa’s creative energy.

Vanessa YoungPerformance Coach

Show Production | Creative Direction | Script Writing

Vanessa’s skill and dedication to creative direction are the perfect complement to Geneen’s business acumen. Owner of The Lovers Cabaret – Vancouver, Vanessa has written, produced and directed dozens of spectacular shows that weave creative choreography into compelling storylines. Vanessa’s certifications in dance, performing arts and creative coaching help her students express themselves in powerful, authentic performances. She has performed all over the world and her and co-founder, Geneen’s choreography was recently featured in “LEGION” – a new Marvel show by Emmy award-winning writer and director Noah Hawley. Together they are an unstoppable team.

Teachers

Portia FavroClassic Pinup

Traditional Burlesque | Pinup | Performance

“Pin- up Portia” is the perfect Level 1, total Beginner teacher for a classic pin-up and heels style. She is soft, nurturing, and really cares about how you feel through the entire process. Portia is always there to hold your hand and give you tips and tricks to make things as smooth as possible. Her talents take her all the way up to training our Level 5 professionals dancers as well. With this level, she brings in her training as a choreographer and dance professional to push you to the next level. Portia loves throwback jams and you can always count on her playing music that you can sing along to in the shower.

Bronwynn JoyTrap Queen

Trap Heels | Urban | Intricate

Are you more Missy Elliott than Beyonce? Bronwynn is a great fit for her more urban #trapheels style. Her intermediate level will be taught at an quick pace, with a diverse range of movement. If you want trap, gangsta rap, and R&B jams each week… you’ll love Bronwynn’s playlist. Bronwynn is a fresh energy, and you’ll often find her out dancing on her own, experimenting with new movement, watching music videos and pushing her students to get creative in class. All while wearing a dark lipstick…

Mike McInnesChoreography King

Athletic | Technical | Authentic | Precise

Mike’s professional and motivating classroom environment is guaranteed to whip your technique into shape. His background in jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip hop provides a well-rounded foundation for beginner and experienced dancers alike. He’s worked on countless commercial sets and has an eye for video production. His choreography balances clarity and precision with expression and emotion. If you’re looking to take your dance and performance to the next level, Mike’s class is for you!

Chelsea HartwickCabaret Showgirl

Authentic | Sensual | Cheeky | Lines

If you’re looking to grow in your dance abilities, Chelsea’s clear teaching style and wealth of experience will help you progress your technique. If you want to explore the more sensual side of performance, she will draw you out of your comfort zone in a safe and nurturing space. If you’re hoping to develop confidence, her choreography will challenge you while always ensuring you know you’ll make it to the finish line feeling fabulous. Come dance with Chelsea, and see just how bright you can shine.

Jojo ZolinaDance Alchemist

Waacking | Intricate | Vogue | Versatile

Jojo brings a world of experience and styles to the studio. After touring the globe and mastering everything from waacking to latin, he’s returning to his roots in Vancouver, BC. His big-picture vision combined with his intricate choreography results in stunning pieces of “dance alchemy”, that blend hip hop, funk, vogueing, waacking, house, reggaeton, dancehall, contemporary and more. Jojo believes dance can break barriers and inspire change – so join his class if you’d love to be challenged in ways that’ll change you as a dancer, performer and awesome human being!

Kathryn Schellenberg Rock Bombshell

Rock | Moody | Contrast | Detail

Between owning the Darlings Cabaret and training everywhere from LA to New York, Kathryn is one serious powerhouse of heels dance. Her choreography is expressive, sexy and impactful. Her teaching style is direct and clear, which helps you learn her engaging and intricate pieces with ease. If you want detailed, punchy and challenging dances to classic rock and blues, Kathryn’s the badass babe you’re after.

Colleen CassidyDancehall Diva

Energy | Groove | Sweat | Upbeat

We don’t think Colleen has ever stopped smiling. She trains every year in Jamaica to constantly hone and honour her dance hall contribution to Luminesque and the larger Vancouver dance community. Her classes are upbeat, high energy and infectiously positive. Her choreography is filled with joy and groove. If you want to laugh and sweat your butt off, Colleen’s class is for you.

Sandra KirkHeels Headmistress

Individuality | Technique | Power | Acting

Sandy’s extensive background in ballet, contemporary, lyrical and jazz means her classes and choreography are filled with expert technique. She’s passionate about helping her students discover their individuality and confidence while honing their dance skills in a number of styles. Her pieces are strong, dark and sharp – designed to make her students feel powerful and invincible on stage. If you’re looking to learn or improve your technique and individual style, Sandy’s class is for you.

Chelsea FriedmanSquamish Boss Babe

Contemporary | Allure | Subtle | Social

Chelsea is the head honcho for our Squamish dance crew. She’s been dancing since she could walk, and has trained in everything from acrobatics to theatre. Her style is sexy and alluring, oozing intrigue while remaining subtle. Her classes are famously social, as she’s passionate about bringing women together in her community. If you’re looking to feel confident, make female friends and learn to dance with heart and expression – you’ll love Chelsea!

Cass PodorPowerhouse Performer

Urban | Funky | Soulful | Dynamic

Looking to develop that “star quality”: authentic self-expression, attitude and style? Class with Cass will help you hone all three! With expertise ranging from hip hop to waacking, cabaret to vogueing – Cass uses her background in urban dance to guide you to find your own strengths and innate gifts. If you’d love to be schooled on pop culture and get inspired by the likes of Janet and Gaga, Cass is here to show you that variety is the spice of life.

Fiona MatthewsSensual Scholar

Slinky | Intellectual | Breath | Mesmerizing

Want to captivate audiences with a single look? Fiona has been training and performing her entire life, and wants to share her knowledge and passion with you. A perpetual student of the art of dance – she’s studied everything from musical theatre in New York, to contemporary at SFU in her BFA program, to a recent dive into aerial skills in Vancouver. She performs for The Darlings Cabaret, The Lovers Cabaret and as a professional gogo dancer. If you’re looking to develop confidence while performing and explore sensual movement, all while learning academically-backed technique and injury prevention, Fiona’s class is the perfect fit.